What Is the Difference Between a Firewire & a USB?
USB and Firewire connections both provide standard connections for a variety of devices. Both have undergone several revisions and are found in several different forms. Although similar in purpose and capability, they often find exclusive use with different devices, and these slight differences sometimes prove critical.
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USB Connection
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The USB connection transmits data up to a rate of 480 megabytes per second but in practice, usually operates much slower. The two primary varieties, USB-A and USB-B share the same technical specifications, but use different physical connectors. Smaller versions called USB-Mini also come in three varieties.
Firewire Connection
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Though the rating of most Firewire connections maximize at 400 megabytes per second, they usually perform faster than their USB counterparts in actual use. This rating holds true for the two older varieties of Firewire, four-pin and six-pin, but the newer nine-pin connector allows for speeds of up to 800 megabytes per second. The six and nine-pin models provide power for connected devices, while the four-pin does not.
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Appearance
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The standard USB connection forms a small flat rectangle, though the USB-Mini takes several shapes. A three-pronged symbol often labels USB ports on devices or computers. Each Firewire model has a unique shape, though the radial symbol, often accompanied by the label "1394" may indicate any of the varieties.
Similarities
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Both USB and Firewire connections allow hot swapping of devices, meaning the device may be unplugged and reconnected to a computer during system use. Both connections also allow several devices to operate chained together, or connected through a hub device.
USB Uses
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Almost all computers include several USB ports, and many external devices use USB for basic connections. Digital cameras, mice, keyboards, modems, external hard drives, game controllers, printers and many other devices use USB connections.
Firewire Uses
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Though less common than USB, some devices include Firewire connections in addition to or in place of a USB port. Most Macintosh computers include Firewire connections, and they also find common use in camcorders and external hard drives.
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References
- Photo Credit usb image by MATTHIEU FABISIAK from Fotolia.com
